Red eyed characin - Arnoldichthys spilopterus
Scientific name: Arnoldichthys spilopterus
Common name: Red eyed characin
Family: Alestidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 19°N (89.29 - 339.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Africa
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Top levels
Food and feeding
Red eyed characins will accept all foods offered. Quality flake should provide the staple diet but they do require treats of blood worms and brine shrimp to keep them happy.
Origin
Africa; Red eyed characin is to be found in the Lower Niger and the Ogun Rivers in Nigeria.
Sexing
Males will have a yellow or orange anal fin with five dark bands and a dark edging. The females will have dark spots on the anal fin.
Breeding
Red eyed characins are an easy species to breed. Add some plants to the tank as the female will scatter up to 1000 eggs amongst them. Once spawning is complete, the parents should be removed. After 30 hours, the eggs should hatch and when the fry are free swimming they can be offered Infusoria or small live foods.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Arnoldichthys spilopterus is 5-10 years.
Short description
Arnoldichthys spilopterus are ideal for a community aquarium. They are a shoaling fish, never keep less than 10 fish in a group. Although Red eyed characins like a well planted tank, open swimming spaces should be left at the front.